Co-owner Ryan Hudson said they hadn't expected to make any
donations in their first few months, "but in the spirit of the
holidays," they wanted to distribute funds and fulfill their commitment.
He said the charities are all "wonderful" organizations that offer
something "near and dear to our hearts."

Laws governing medical cannabis dispensaries restrict the
businesses from turning a profit, so before the shop opened, Hudson pledged to
funnel any profits back into the community.

Hudson said they're still paying down construction and other
start-up costs for the dispensary, which opened June 21. Those expenses came to
"something in the low six figures," and about two-thirds of the costs
remain to be paid, he said. He expects to have the expenses paid off this year.

The shop, which sells everything from flowers to baked
goods, will become a mutual benefit corporation this month, Hudson said. That
means it will be a nonprofit that pays taxes. Also beginning this month,
Hudson's taking a salary, but he wouldn't disclose the amount.

"We're 100-percent funded by philanthropic
support," Kosik added. "We don't have any earned revenue, and we
don't take any government funds. We have to raise every dollar from scratch
every year from individuals, foundations, and corporations." This year's
budget is $1.6 million.

So far, at least one Apothecarium patient is pleased with
the dispensary, too.

David Goldman, who also sits on the club's philanthropic
committee, uses marijuana for glaucoma and chronic pain. He said the shop is
"one of our top dispensaries in the city."

"I just think they give very excellent personal
service, and the quality of their medicine is really good," said Goldman,
who is gay.